Mark Schuttenhelm: Tackling the nickname dilemma

My friend Mark Schuttenhelm wrote this article for today's Jamestown Sun. For those to don't know Mark, he's a great hockey mind and writes a weekly column about college hockey during the regular season. I have sat next to him in the REA press box for the last three seasons. Mark and I have had many great discussions about college hockey and about life in general.

I like what he wrote here. I think he's right, the UND nickname committee has needlessly spent a lot of money to end with these six not so great nickname choices. I don't really like any of these choices. I could tolerate one of the Hawks and Rough Riders. Like Schuttenhelm, I would rather just stay North Dakota, too.

Mark Schuttenhelmm, Jamestown Sun -- The UND nickname committee has narrowed it down to six possibilities — Green Hawks, Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, Roughriders, Sundogs, North Stars.

They're kidding us with these names, right? Unfortunately — no. Sadly, this group is said to be the cream of the crop amongst all the names submitted by the folks.

Now look, I know the nickname committee members are not being paid for this work, so I'm hesitant to rip them. And besides, they have taken on an impossible task. This is a fact I pointed out two years ago when I came out in favor of foregoing a nickname and logo and simply using North Dakota, or UND for short, and thankfully, that option does remain on the table as well.

Back in 2013, I said it was unlikely that anyone could come up with a nickname that would even approach "Fighting Sioux" on any number of levels. Likewise, creating a logo to replace the beautiful Sioux Indian head was also an impossible task.

And seriously, he's right, Sundogs sounds ridiculous, moronic and should have been removed from the nickname list a long time ago. Yet, it's still there. I hope we never have to see Home of the Sundogs.

North Dakota Hockey is succinct, dignified, and gets right to the point, namely, that we are serious about our hockey up here. Substitute any other sport at UND in place of "hockey" and the phrase works equally well. Can you imagine if the side of the Ralph said "Home of the Sundogs?"

Related articles

• Weston Dressler Wouldn't Mind UND Being Named the Roughriders
• North Dakota is getting closer to actually having a nickname

Herald Letter: LETTER: Keep UND’s identity by choosing North Dakota

Here's a letter from a read of the Grand Forks Herald. Thoughts? 

Grand Forks Herald -- The recent poll in the Herald said that people would rather stay North Dakota by a 2 to 1 margin.

 I can be included in that group and the following is the reasoning for doing so:

UND’s identity was unique with the Fighting Sioux, it was never  a mascot but an identity.   Now people are in the process of finding a new something for a mascot which UND never had.  The closest was for years the fan group “The Farce”  had Kermit the Frog, which never appeared on UND letterheads.

Why on earth would UND want to become a re-tread of:

   1.  Another member of the animal kingdom (husky, bear, cougar, colt, a rodent, etc.)

   2. A bird of some type (eagle, cardinal, hawk)

   3. A person (cowboy, minutemen, pirate)

The list of things with which UND could identify was once, in the Herald’s April 4 edition, a thousand names long, now it’s not.  Why would we want to be a “just another” something like  every other university  with overlapping identities for their entire existence. UND was unique with its former identity, keep that uniqueness by not becoming a university with a mascot just like everybody else.

UND represents the entire state of North Dakota, which includes all people of your state.  

UND has the best aerospace studies in the U.S., a four-year med school, and other great academic programs. Why not be the leader in the entire U.S. in this regard by not having a mascot like we have not had?  UND never had a guy riding a horse with  spear like Florida State or Illinois with the guy who danced wildly at their athletic contests, so why start now with some cartoon-like representation.  Be who you are, which is a very proud population represented by the University of North Dakota.

Steve Molvig

Lovelock, Nev.

Weston Dressler Wouldn't Mind UND Being Named the Roughriders

Kim Thue from the Global News had some remarks from former Fighting Sioux football player Weston Dressler. Apparently, Drexler wouldn't mind UND being called the Roughriders.

Dressler said today it would be "pretty interesting to see if the 'Roughrider' name went through'.

— Kim Thue (@GlobalThue) June 16, 2015

Weston Dressler - the star of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and former star of the North Dakota Roughriders. #gold

— Kim Thue (@GlobalThue) June 16, 2015

UND is of course Weston Dressler's alma mater.

— Kim Thue (@GlobalThue) June 16, 2015

Get this: the leading candidate for the University's new nickname? Roughriders

— Kim Thue (@GlobalThue) June 16, 2015

The University of North Dakota is still in search of a new nickname after dropping 'Fighting Sioux' a few years ago....

— Kim Thue (@GlobalThue) June 16, 2015

Tweets from the Nickname Committee Meeting

Carla Christofferson notes majority of public wanted North Dakota as nickname but says many are just mad about Sioux logo retirement.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

First, woof. I think that is a broad statement that's a bit shortsighted. There are some, yes. I think some of the nicknames that have emerged are so bad, they would rather stay "North Dakota" instead of adopting a really bad, God awful nickname like Sundogs, Pride or Spirit. I find those nicknames to be unacceptable.

"I think North Dakota is distinctly UND," - #newnickname committee member Adedayo Idowu, who is middle of the road with the name.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

"Saying we're going to be North Dakota to me means saying we're going to stay the #FightingSioux."-#newnickname committee, Chelsea Moser

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

If you want to read her tweets, Anna Burleson from the Grand Forks Herald is at the Nickname Committee Meeting tonight. She's been on top the story from the start.

A couple of things have caught my eye tonight. Also after reading some of the tweets, I am convinced UND is going to get he nickname that Lowell Schweigert wants.

#Newnickname committee member Jazmyn Friesz talks developing different logo & mascot to accompany staying "North Dakota."

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

On keeping North Dakota, Lowell Schweigert says "what is popular is not always right." Encourages group to "have courage." #newnickname

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

#Newnickname committee chairman Karl Goehring isn't in favor of any "hawk" name while Lowell Schweigert likes them.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

UND Nickname Committee Cuts Nickname List to 15

There are the 15 nicknames under consideration to be UND's new nickname. If you're holding your nose, you're not the only one. If fans are in favor of the nickname that you like on this list, be vocal. 

I highlighted the ones that I think are acceptable. Copyright the Whistler. 

I puzzled that the committee decided to get rid of anything that points UND's aviation school. That makes no sense to me what-so-ever.

Thank God for Karl Goehring...
Continuing to play simply as "North Dakota" is still an option. Goehring said in his experience with the last task force, many alumni were in favor of it.

• Blaze - I am surprised that this is still an option. Obvious reasons. Blaze up.
• Cavalry - Here comes your 7th Cavalry.
• Explorers - Boring.
• Fighting Green - I would rather be Green Machine.
• Fighting Hawks - Maybe this can grow on me.
• Force - We already have the Fargo Force.
• Green Hawks - Drop the "Green" and sure.
• Nodaks - Redundant. I think I am quoting Charlie from Hockey Bias now.
• North Dakota - Number one choice. 
• North Stars - Second choice. 
• Pride - Bad nickname.
• Roughriders - We already have a high school with that name.
• Spirit - Dumb.
• Sundogs - Even dumber. I might have a stroke.
• Thunder Hawk - Whatever. 

Nickname Committee Cuts List of Names to 64

The UND Nickname committee has cut the list of names to 64. One of the names under consideration is "North Dakota". Below is the list of names that are moving forward. Unfortunately, Sundogs and Sundog is on the list. I am disappointed that Green Machine is not on the list.

1. Aeronauts
2. Aeros
3. Arctic Blaze
4. Arctic Force
5. Aurora
6. Aviators
7. Badlanders
8. Big Green
9. Bison Slayers
10. Blackhawks
11. BLAZE
12. BLAZING STARS
13. BLIZZARD
14. Blizzard Dogs
15. Bombardiers
16. Bombers
17. Cavalry
18. Charging Nokota
19. Drillers
20. ENERGY
21. Explorers
22. Fighting Green
23. Fighting Greens
24. Fighting Green Hawks
25. Fighting Hawks
26. Fighting Sundogs
27. Fire
28. Flame
29. Flames
30. Flickertails
31. Fliers
32. Force
33. Force of North
34. Global Hawks
35. Green Bombers
36. GREEN HAWKS
37. GREEN PRIDE
38. 'Grey Hawks'
39. Night Hawks
40. Night Riders
41. Nighthawks
42. Nodak
43. Nodaks
44. North Dakota
45. North Force
46. North Stars
47. Northern Lights
48. Prarie Hawks
49. Pride
50. Riders
51. roughhriders
52. SNOW DOGS
53. Snow Leopards
54. Spirit
55. STORM
56. Sundog
57. Sundogs
58. Thunder Hawks
59. Warhawks
60. Warriors
61. Warriors of the North
62. Wings
63. Wooly Mammoth

UND Hockey Waiting on Two

The UND hockey team received some good news in the last couple of days. Troy Stecher is coming back for his junior season.

The good news didn't stop there. Leading scorer Drake Caggiula is going to return for his senior season. With these developments, UND should again be one of the top teams in the NCHC based on who's staying and who's coming in.

Now, UND is waiting on two players to make their decision. Jordan Schmaltz and Paul LaDue have yet to make their intentions known. It was thought that Schmaltz was signing with the Blues, but he's not tipped his hand as of yet.

Coveted NHL free agent Troy Stecher says he will return to North Dakota next season http://t.co/h8YOvA9IdS

— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) May 13, 2015

Former 1st rounder Jordan Schmaltz expected to forego Sr. Season at #UND #stlblues

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) April 15, 2015

(UPDATED) Herald Poll: Vote for the Two "No Nickname" Options

The Grand Forks Herald has an on-line poll where you can vote for the two no nickname options. North Dakota is winning by a large margin. Update: the vote tally keeps going up. Don't forget to vote.

POLL: Of the two "no nickname" options, which would you choose for UND? VOTE HERE: http://t.co/Y3UMa9hVN6 pic.twitter.com/SstxRrYUtM

— Grand Forks Herald (@gfherald) May 7, 2015

Picking a Nickname Won't End the Discussion

First, there's about four months will UND's fall sports kick off the 2015-16 season. For those keeping track on the calendar, UND plays a football game against the Wyoming Cowboys in 120 days. The question is, what will UND's sports teams be referred to when next season rolls around?

Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald kind of reinforced an opinion that has picked up steam since UND dropped the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- There were roughly 2,000 submissions—about 50 pages worth—of people suggesting "North Dakota," "UND," "University of North Dakota," "no nickname," "none," or another variation.

This is an option that should get heavy consideration from the university's Nickname Committee and President Robert Kelley for multiple reasons.

Last month, the Committee laid out criteria for the new name, saying that the main priority is that it promotes a sense of pride and passion, that it is distinctly UND's and that it is a unifying and rallying symbol.

At this point in time, it's hard to believe they can pick anything that will be unifying and rallying. A new nickname is much more likely to creative a divide on campus and among the alumni community. That's not something the school and community needs right now.

One opinion that I keep hearing, UND needs to have a nickname for marketing purposes. Really, I don't see why? In hockey, UND already is a big player on the national stage and is well recognized. The Women's hockey team is quickly getting there as well. I just don't buy it. UND has played without a nickname for three years already.

As an Alumnus of UND, I am very worried that the nickname committee will feel pressured to hurry up and pick a nickname. This is how we will end up with a silly nickname like Sundogs or Flickertails.

"Stick with UND" (so everyone can keep calling them Sioux) http://t.co/g29kAUZvO8 Not the answer.

— SiouxFootballInsider (@SiouxFootball) May 6, 2015

What would you find more marketable, a Richardson Ground Squire or North Dakota? Check out exhibit A. That's a rodent, where do I start? That looks like the mascot of one of our rivals. Yuck! That mascot would cause UND to be the butt of many jokes.

Now if we're looking for good nickname choices, this is one that I could get behind. Introducing Reapers or Grim Reapers.

Finally, selecting a nickname probably isn't going to end the debate. I predict, that things will only get more heated when UND finally decides on a nickname. This matter has been festering for years. It's not going to end here this summer.

You're dreaming if you think it will.

People are still going to yell Sioux at the end of the anthem. It's going to happen. Nothing is going to change that.  There are going to be people that will be unhappy with the final product.

Humble Pie a la Mode

by Redwing77

The season is over and the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but that's not what is humbling to me.  I remember back in 2005 when all four Frozen Four teams were from the same conference.  WCHA fans crowed about how awesome the WCHA was and, well, the WCHA won the NC that year.  But was that truly great?

In college football the only people who were overjoyed by the Alabama vs. LSU National Championship game was the teams who were playing and their fans... and ESPN.  It might have been the lowest rated championship football contest in terms of TV ratings in the TV era.

All season long, NCHC fans crowed about how amazing the conference is.  And I put up with it.  After all, my team is in the NCHC and the NCHC did dominate over the season.  Certainly they deserved respect.

But then on USCHO I read an altogether astonishing statement:  "The NCHC is the SEC of college hockey."

Wait... What?

The NCHC is NOT the SEC of college hockey.  The SEC of college hockey doesn't exist anymore.  I'd argue the last time the SEC of college hockey existed was back when North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan were in the same conference along with Notre Dame and Michigan State.  Yeah.  The SEC of college hockey broke up in 1981.

This year the NCHC had 6 teams make the NCAA Playoffs.  Two made the Frozen Four.  It is certainly a great accomplishment.  In the end, however, Hockey East prevailed.  Hockey East has been around longer than the NCHC, even if the teams in the NCHC have storied histories.

I think we need to take a step back a little bit.  We are a strong conference with great teams and super competition.  However, we are 0-2 in National Championships as a conference.  In fact, as a conference, we've yet to get a team to the National Championship game.

Calling the NCHC the "SEC of college hockey" makes me chafe.  We do not want to be the SEC of college hockey.  I want the NCHC to be a dominant force, sure, but a respected one by all.  The SEC does not seem to hold much respect by those outside of ESPN and the fanbases of SEC teams.

Speaking of Bad Nickname Ideas; Las Vegas Flamingos?

The University of North Dakota is going through the process of picking a new nickname, and many of us are worried that the university is going to pick a really bad nickname.

Looking at this suggestion by Craig Custance, Flamingos would take the cake for a horrible nickname. I can't imagine that anyone would allow this to happen.

That being said, I do like the Outlaws nickname that Tim Kavanaugh included in the linked article.

What would a team in Las Vegas be called? We've got suggestions. @CraigCustance http://t.co/LWjD0gQbuJ pic.twitter.com/q1Eu6q1loy
— ESPN NHL coverage (@ESPN_NHL) April 8, 2015

Wall Street Journal: North Dakota Needs a Nickname

 like many UND fans know that the nickname is gone and never coming back. I also didn't know that UND could become the first Division I team to win a title without a nickname.

Matthew Futterman, Wall Street Journal -- In 2012, North Dakota dropped its old nickname, the Fighting Sioux, after a long legislative and legal battle. The NCAA had threatened to not allow North Dakota to host postseason games if it continued to use the name and display its Native American head logo. In a statewide referendum, 67% of voters supported getting rid of them.

But in the process, a cooling-off period was imposed until 2015 before the school could pick a new name. So as North Dakota begins play Friday in the 16-team hockey tournament—it is hosting the West regional in Fargo, about 80 miles from its Grand Forks campus—there is another crucial piece of business at hand: replacing the beloved Fighting Sioux name.

“It is a very emotional issue,” said Lowell Schweigert, a North Dakota alumnus and booster who was a quarterback and a pitcher for the Fighting Sioux in the 1970s.

n January, Schweigert began serving on a committee charged with facilitating the selection of a new nickname this year. The committee only came into being as the end of the cooling-off period loomed. “Our charge now is to have something done by May,” said Schweigert, a financial consultant in Grand Forks. “That is a pretty ambitious goal.”

Relief is on the way. On Wednesday, the committee on the new nickname announced it will accept suggestions from the public through April. Suggestions must be 25 characters or less. The committee will choose three finalists for a public vote as soon as May.

The NCAA Bracket Projections

This is the bracket projection from College Hockey News.

Midwest Region, South Bend, Ind.
1. Minnesota State vs. 16. RIT
8. UNO vs. 10. Minnesota

West Region, Fargo, N.D.
2. North Dakota vs. 15. Providence
7. Michigan Tech vs. 12. St. Cloud State

Northeast Region, Manchester, N.H.
3. Boston University vs. 14. Quinnipiac
6. Duluth vs. 11. Boston College

East Region, Providence, R.I.
4. Miami vs. 13. Yale
5. Denver vs. 9. Harvard

Here's what SBN College Hockey is projecting.

Northeast Regional
Verizon Center
Manchester, NH
1. Miami
2. Denver
3. St. Cloud State
4. Yale

West Regional
Scheels Arena
Fargo, ND
1. North Dakota
2. Michigan Tech
3. Minnesota
4. Providence

Midwest Regional
Compton Arena
South Bend, Ind.
1. Minnesota State
2. Nebraska-Omaha
3. Harvard
4. RIT

East Regional
Dunkin Donuts Center
Providence, RI
1. Boston University
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Boston College
4. Quinnipiac

C.C. vs. UND game 1; Links

Game one, Tigers vs. UND. A few changes on the lines for UND.

FRIDAY vs COLORADO COLLEGE TV: @MidcoSN Web: http://t.co/GFCx4X8ugT Radio: 96.1 FM (flagship), UND Sports Radio Network
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) March 13, 2015

North Dakota Looks to End Tigers Season - http://t.co/IKE2mEcH4K #NHL pic.twitter.com/3eQt7HQqep
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) March 12, 2015

All QF games this weekend are on NCHCtv. 1st 2 games: @WMUHockey at @MiamiOH_Hockey, 7:35pm ET @SCSUHUSKIES_MH at @UNO_Hockey, 7:37pm CT
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 13, 2015

Watch today's episode of "NCHC: Between the Boards" by @MidcoSN to get ready for #NCHCHockey Tournament action: http://t.co/P26dKpSKtE
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 13, 2015

As was feared, UND's leading goal scorer and NCHC defensive fwd of year finalist Mark MacMillan out for the season http://t.co/Us8zI91dti
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) March 13, 2015

Yep, Zane McIntyre Is a Good Goal Tender

That's a lot of words to say that Zane McIntyre is a good goaltender. Seriously. I guess Lambert is done predicting a UNO meltdown?

Ryan Lambert, Puck Daddy -- Where North Dakota differs, and which comes as no surprise, is that they have both the highest shooting percentage and save percentage in the league. Looking at the roster, you'd have to say that maybe shooting 8.8 percent at evens is a little bit high even for a team that talented — and with Mark MacMillan potentially done for the year, even more so — but Zane McIntyre was always going to be stopping about .940 at evens. He's just that good, and given the fact that his team concedes an inordinate number of shot attempts (42.3 per game, third-most in the conference) he's utterly crucial to their ongoing success. If he was even a little worse, let's say he allowed an extra five goals in 32 games this season, we're not having a discussion about North Dakota being the top team in the country; their shot generation is decidedly middle of the pack on a national level, so the fact that they have 73 even-strength goals goes a long way.

Of course, only about 25 or 30 percent of most games is played at 5-on-5, so you have to consider special teams quality as well. Here too, North Dakota doesn't exactly impress in comparison with its conference rivals; its 20.9 percent conversion rate on power plays is fourth in the conference behind St. Cloud, Denver, and Colorado College (somehow). Its PK is, not surprisingly, the best by a decent margin, because McIntyre has an .872 save percentage when down a man. The NCHC average is .863. But North Dakota takes a lot of penalties (second-most in the conference) and draws the the third-most. Their power play opportunity differential for the season is plus-1.

All season long, I keep hearing how UND isn't as good as their record. Their record is inflated by their out of conference record. So, what about the other 22 games they have played so far? I guess UND winning the Penrose Cup is a mirage, didn't happen, right

Also, we heard from the SBN College Hockey experts that once UND got into the meat of their schedule they would come back down to earth a bit. That hasn't happened yet, either.

Let's not forget that UND has only lost twice in 2015. Breaking it down further, UND has won four games in a row and five-of-six games. They have a 3-1-0 record against SCSU, 2-0 record against WMU, 2-1-1 record against UNO and DU. They currently have a 1-1 record against UMD and MU.

Let's review, UND went tot he NCAA tourney last year. Of course, they were the last team in NCAA tournament, and  then promptly went to the Frozen Four. That was a fluke I guess. UND returns most of the team from last year and some of the pundits are shocked.

I think the NCHC is a tough conference and UND has proven they deserve the recognition they have gotten this year. I also don't think the UND hockey team is afraid to play anyone in the country. Not this team.

UND Clinches at Least a Share of the Penrose Cup! (Circle of Sticks)

How sweep it is. Traditional circle of sticks.

A photo posted by Eric J. Burton (@eric.burton.94801) on Feb 28, 2015 at 7:33pm PST

UND is the 2015 Penrose Champs. They have clinched at least a tie for the title. With one point next weekend, UND will win it outright.

Warriors for life. #UNDPROUD

A photo posted by Eric J. Burton (@eric.burton.94801) on Feb 28, 2015 at 7:44pm PST

Tonight's win, along with Miami's loss at DU, means UND has clinched at least a share of the Penrose Cup! #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/RggJL0EoOq
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) March 1, 2015

UND Leads Nation in Attendance

Enough said...

At home or on the road, it’s "Always a Home Game!" UND leads @NCAAIceHockey in attendance (as of Feb. 20): pic.twitter.com/3XUhAKzKmc
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) February 25, 2015

UND vs. WMU - Game Two Lines

No changes from last night's lineup. From today's NCHC press release: With a 3-1 win at Western Michigan Friday night, top-ranked North Dakota moved into sole possession of first place in the NCHC after No. 6/6 Miami and No. 5/5 Omaha both fell as the three entered the weekend tied for first. UND also extended its unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) and improved to 9-3-0 on the road this season with its .750 road win percentage fourth nationally and first in the NCHC. UND is now 8-6-1 on Fridays this year but an NCAA-best 13-0-2 on Saturdays (.933).

UND vs. DU Game One Lines - Links

Pretty much the same lines as last time out.

UND and DU Set to Faceoff http://t.co/DABryDmbwz pic.twitter.com/nWno12njb4
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 12, 2015

North Dakota vs. Denver, A Series Preview - http://t.co/VOr88BmWoT #NHL pic.twitter.com/45th78CNZF
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 13, 2015

Fans can vote for UND's Mark MacMillan and Nick Mattson for the Senior CLASS Award: http://t.co/I7EkM1C16R #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/sWqcdUhBZb
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) February 13, 2015

http://t.co/e4GQr5zK1P has a piece on Brock Boeser's commitment to UND http://t.co/RGWU1DVma5
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) February 13, 2015

During Jim's absence, we have the utmost confidence in Dave Carle's ability to lead our student-athletes this weekend as they face UND (2/2)
— Ryan Peck (@Ryan_Peck) February 13, 2015

UND set to Take on Pioneers

Gwozdecky is gone, rivalry is not

While you’re checking out some of those YouTube videos, you’ll probably find a video of head coach George Gwozdecky walking across the ice after getting kicked out of a game.

While coach Gwozdecky is no longer at Denver, he wasn’t re-signed after the 2012-13 season. The rivalry hasn’t cooled off in his absence.

If you look over the record books, you will see that there’s a lot of history between the two teams. In their last 15 games against the Pioneers, UND has a 9-5-1 record. Four of those games have been in the playoffs. UND won all four games.

Historically, the games have been entertaining and full of drama. The players from both teams love playing in the series. It’s one of those series that the UND players look forward to playing in.

“I think it’s such a great rivalry between two programs,” sophomore defenseman Troy Stecher said. “It’s an up paced game. Their D-Core is pretty offensive. We like to think that our D-Core can jump up in the play as well. I think it’s going to be a weekend of chances going back and forth.”

“It’s a tradition I think or a history thing,” senior caption Steph Pattyn said. “It’s definitely a rivalry. Something that has always been. A lot of it has to do with the history of the two programs. Denver is a good program. The coaches definitely instill in us to go hard this weekend.”

(Read the rest of the story)

UND vs. DU, College Hockey's Hatfields and McCoys - http://t.co/ys06MZTB4D #NHL pic.twitter.com/R1pqBlI13p
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 12, 2015

The Pios are practicing at Joy Burns Arena this morning prior to making the trek to North Dakota later today #DUvsUND pic.twitter.com/QaSgcrrEko
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) February 12, 2015